Arsenal given glowing Angelo Stiller appraisal from former 'target' amid transfer links

Arsenal are among Europe's top clubs keeping an eye on German international Angelo Stiller, according to the latest reports. Caught Offside claims Manchester United had a deal rebuffed during the recent summer transfer window, with a reported asking price of £52million set for the VfB Stuttgart player.

The Gunners are said to be the frontrunners to sign the defensive midfielder, while Real Madrid were also linked with a move for the German star following Xabi Alonso's move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old has made it clear he wants to stay with Stuttgart and get regular minutes with the hope of featuring at the World Cup next summer in the United States.

It remains to be seen if Arsenal will make an approach to sign the rising talent in the January transfer window, but the Gunners have already been given a glowing appraisal of Stiller's potential.

Ahead of his debut for Germany back in the summer of 2024, head coach Julian Nagelsmann singled out Stiller as the successor for Ilkay Gündogan and Toni Kroos on the international stage,

The German boss said: "In midfield we have to replace two players who have retired: Ilkay Gündogan and Toni Kroos. Angelo Stiller, who performed very well in Stuttgart last season and again now, is the only new addition to the squad."

Nagelsmann wasn't the only one to be left impressed by Stiller's performances for Stuttgart. Former Arsenal transfer target Joshua Kimmich heaped praise on the defensive midfielders ahead of the UEFA Nations League games against Hungary and the Netherlands last season.

When talking about Stiller and Aleksandar Pavlović, Kimmich said: "Both have been developed in intense environments. It’s clear that Angelo is confident, just like Pavlo.

"Both are technically strong and have a good passing game, and you can tell with both of them that they want to play football. It’s important to have young players who are hungry and just enjoy playing."

Former Brighton star Dennis Undav was equally impressed by Stiller, claiming he was one of the best number sixes Germany has.

Speaking after Stiller's inclusion in the German national team, Undav told bundesliga.com: "I'm really happy for him; when I heard the news I was really happy for him because he deserves the opportunity to come to the national team. I think he is one of the best number sixes Germany has, so we will see what happens. I hope just the best for him and I hope he will enjoy the time."

Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeneß is heralded as being the man to take Stiller's game to the next level. The pair worked together in Bayern's youth set-up, before following the coach to Hoffengheim and then the MHP Arena.

"We have a history together for a long time; he is a great player," Hoeneß told bundesliga.com. "He absolutely deserves to play for the national team.

"He's a really important factor in our team, so I'm convinced he will play a big role also in the national team in the coming years. That is why I'm really happy for him."

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